SoCal Immigration Services | Immigration Document Preparation in Southern California

Quick Answer

To sponsor a family member for a green card, you must prove you can financially support them. This guide helps Upland residents understand the income requirements for Form I-864 Affidavit of Support. SoCal Immigration Services provides Arabic-speaking assistance with income calculations and joint sponsor arrangements.

Reviewed for accuracy by

Maria Santos

DOJ Accredited Representative • 15+ years experience

2026 Poverty Guidelines for I-864

Sponsors must have income at 125% of poverty guidelines (100% for active military):

Household Size	125% Poverty (2026)	100% Poverty (Military)
2	$25,550	$20,440
3	$32,225	$25,780
4	$38,900	$31,120
5	$45,575	$36,460
6	$52,250	$41,800
7	$58,925	$47,140
8	$65,600	$52,480
Each additional	+$6,675	+$5,340

Calculating Your Household Size

Your household size includes:

•Yourself (the sponsor)
•Your spouse (even if not living with you)
•Your children under 21 (even if not living with you)
•Anyone you claimed as dependent on last tax return
•Any other people you're currently sponsoring
•The immigrant(s) you're sponsoring now

Example Calculation

Here's how to calculate your household size:

Scenario: Upland resident sponsoring parents
• Sponsor: 1
• Sponsor's spouse: 1
• Sponsor's 2 children: 2
• Parents being sponsored: 2
• Total household: 6 people
• Required income: $52,250/year

What Income Counts?

Income that qualifies for I-864:

•Employment income (W-2, salary)
•Self-employment income (net after expenses)
•Retirement income (pension, Social Security)
•Investment income (dividends, interest, rental)
•Alimony or child support received
•Household member income (if contributing)
•Assets can supplement income

What Doesn't Count?

Income that does NOT qualify:

•Public benefits (welfare, food stamps, Medicaid)
•Unemployment compensation
•Child support you PAY (this reduces your income)
•One-time income (lottery, inheritance)
•Income from illegal sources
•Projected future income (usually)

Using Assets Instead of Income

If income is insufficient, assets can help:

• Assets must equal 3x the income shortfall
• For sponsored spouse/children: 3x shortfall
• For other relatives: 5x shortfall

Example:
• Required income: $38,900
• Your income: $30,000
• Shortfall: $8,900
• Assets needed: $8,900 × 3 = $26,700

Qualifying Assets

Assets that can be used:

•Cash in bank accounts (checking, savings)
•Stocks, bonds, mutual funds
•Real estate equity (after mortgage)
•Personal property (cars, jewelry - at resale value)
•Retirement accounts (IRAs, 401k - at withdrawal value)
•Life insurance cash value

Joint Sponsor Option

If you don't meet requirements alone, a joint sponsor can help:

Joint Sponsor Requirements:
• Must be U.S. citizen or permanent resident
• Must be 18 years or older
• Must live in the United States
• Must meet income requirements independently
• Does NOT need to be related to you or immigrant

Household Member Income

Household members can contribute income:

Requirements:
• Must live with you
• Must sign Form I-864A
• Their income counts toward your household
• They become jointly liable for support obligation

Common: Adult children or working spouse contributing income.

Self-Employment Income

Self-employed sponsors face additional requirements:

• Net self-employment income (after expenses) counts
• Must provide last 3 years of tax returns
• Business profit/loss statements may be required
• Irregular income may need explanation
• Consider having joint sponsor as backup

Upland Sponsor Services

SoCal Immigration Services helps Upland sponsors:

•Arabic and English speaking staff
•Income calculation and verification
•Joint sponsor arrangement assistance
•Asset documentation preparation
•I-864 form completion
•Household member income coordination
•Tax document review

FAQFrequently Asked Questions

Q:How much income do I need to sponsor my parents?

A: It depends on your total household size. For a family of 6 (you, spouse, 2 kids, 2 parents), you need $52,250 in 2026. Use our calculation to determine your specific requirement.

Q:Can I use my spouse's income even if they're not the sponsor?

A: Yes! If your spouse lives with you and signs Form I-864A, their income counts toward your household income. They become jointly responsible for the support obligation.

Q:What if I don't have enough income but have savings?

A: You can use assets to supplement income. You need assets worth 3x the income shortfall (5x for non-spouse/child relatives). Cash, home equity, and investments all count.

Q:Can my brother be a joint sponsor?

A: Yes! Joint sponsors don't need to be related to you or the immigrant. They just need to be a U.S. citizen or green card holder, age 18+, and meet the income requirements themselves.

Q:I'm self-employed - how do I prove income?

A: You'll need your last 3 years of tax returns showing net self-employment income (Schedule C or K-1). The income after business expenses is what counts.

Q:Do I include my children I'm sponsoring in household size?

A: Yes. Both your existing household members AND the immigrants you're sponsoring count toward household size when calculating required income.

Disclaimer: This article provides general information about immigration services in Upland and does not constitute legal advice. SoCal Immigration Services is a document preparation company, not a law firm. For legal advice specific to your situation, please consult with a licensed immigration attorney.

Published: January 20, 2026Last Updated: January 20, 2026

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Sponsor Income Calculator in Upland: I-864 Income Requirements for Family Immigration